So, are servicemen and women going to hell?

Question

Remember "Thou shalt not kill"? I don't remember an exception in the Bible to this rule. In fact, I vividly recall "turn the other cheek" which, by my interpretation, means we should sit back while terrorists detroy us, and then we can ascend into heaven. That's the goal, anyway - right? Life on earth is temporary and imperfect, so why risk not getting into heaven over defending a country?

So, if someone else tells you to sin against God, that makes it ok? As long as he or she is your boss?

Are the Christian meatheads hiding? Where AAAARREEEE you?

Answer 1

Properly translated from the original Hebrew, the phrase is: You shall not murder. Look at a Jewish version of the Ten Commandments: http://www.hebrew4christians.com/Scripture/Torah/Ten_Cmds/ten_cmds.html

The commandment "You shall not kill" forbids direct and intentional killing as gravely sinful. The murderer and those who cooperate voluntarily in murder commit a sin that cries out to heaven for vengeance. (Gen 4:10)

Killing in self defense, a just war, and lawful capital punishment are not considered murder.

However many Christians including Catholics believe most modern governments no longer need to use capital punishment to protect society from criminals.

Many (but not all) people agree that the war in Iraq is not a just war and therefore breaks this commandment.

+ War +

The overriding principal that binds all human beings is that we must follow our conscience.

If a Catholic is utterly convinced in conscience that a war is unjust and his own role constitutes direct participation in the effort, he has the right and obligation to object and even refuse to participate, regardless of the consequences to person and career.

If a Catholic is convinced in conscience that a war is just, he should put the matter to prayer, fulfill his obligation and oath to serve as ordered.

With love in Christ.

Answer 2

I'm not a Christian, I'm a Pagan. I believe in self-defense and the defense of innocents. I do NOT believe that to be a sin (I don't believe in sin). So my answer would be a most definite NO! First of all there is no such thing a hell, secondly they are doing their duty as they see it. They are doing what they believe to be good and right. That doesn't always work right though. As many bigots will use that as an excuse to kill whomever they want. I guess my point would be that to kill is wrong (I don't believe in the Bible), but there are some circumstances when it becomes necessary. Just look at said Bible, it is filled with instances where God supposedly told his chosen to smite these people, or those people, or to wipe this town off the face of the Earth. Why? Because God said so? I doubt it. It is more likely that the Priests and others in authority thought it would be a good idea.
But I digress, not believing in hell, I guess that the "righteousness" of such killings has more to do with motive than anything else. If it is out of hate, bigotry or fear I believe it to be immoral, if it is for the defense of others, there is a big difference. Again, just my thoughts.

Answer 3

Many people make the mistake of believing the Bible says, “You shall not kill,” and seek to apply this command to war. However, the Bible actually says, “You shall not murder” (Exodus 20:13). The Hebrew word literally means “the intentional, premeditated killing of another person with malice.” God often ordered the Israelites to go to war with other nations (1 Samuel 15:3; Joshua 4:13). God ordered the death penalty for numerous crimes (Exodus 21:12; 21:15; 22:19; Leviticus 20:11). So, God is not against killing in all circumstances, but rather only murder.

Ecclesiastes 3:8 declares, “there is…a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace. In a world filled with sin, hatred, and evil (Romans 3:10-18), war is inevitable. Some wars are more “just” than others, but all wars are ultimately the result of sin. Christians should not desire war, but neither are Christians to oppose the government God has placed in authority over them (Romans 13:1-4; 1 Peter 2:17).

Answer 4

The original manuscript says "Thou shall not commit "Murder" which is always being twisted by someone trying to put someone else down like U are doing to one of the oldest & most honorable professions in the world! There is a BIG Difference between "Killing" & "Murder" & I personally thank our military for "Killing" the enemy of God for me!!! Mankinds Sins are ALL EQUAL!!!!! The only Sin not forgivable is failing to Accept Christ!!! So Ur telling a little "white lie" now & then is, in the opinion of God, the same as murder, rape & anything else U think of that may set U apart as "Special" in the realm of sinners!!! U seem to think like most people (erronously) that Ur "Good Works" is what will get U into Heaven??? NOT!!!! "For your works are as wood, hay and stubble that when tested by fire are consumed" & "Your works are as filthy rags," (in Hebrew the word is menstral rags) The only lasting thing that will remain is the work Christ did on the Cross FOR U, not the other way around!!! John

Answer 5

A lot of interesting issues involved here.

"Thou Shalt not commit murder" is what your thinking of. Its one of the 10 commandments. Its part of the OT Law in the Penteteuch.

Number one it does not disallow killing either by the religion or the government. You will notice in Levitical law that many laws are death penalty worthy. This would make your initial premise that killing is not allowed not valid. Its murder thats not allowed.

On a second note you will notice that when Jesus came that he was the completion of the Law. He did not make the law unaffective he completed it. We as New Testament christians and followers of Jesus are not liable to the whole law. If we were we would be forbidden to eat shrimp, crab, pork and would not be able to wear mixed fibers. (I noticed you didnt wonder if military members would go to hell for mixing the fibers in their clothes or eating bacon)

The quote you made "turn the other cheek" comes instead from the New Testament - the book of Matthew. This is written to bible believers and followers of christ. I would agree that its unwise for believers to be in the military. And that it could be sin for them to be involved in service related violence.

Our government on the other hand is allowed by the NT to wield the sword. The book of Romans spells out clearly that its their right and job. Otherwise nations would get over-run rampantly. What is your suggestion for how to be involved in the protection of a country while avoid the deaths and injury of others?

But, you are correct in assuming that followers of Christ should generally be pacifist. Its hard for me to believe that you think America is a Christ based nation when I see what comes from Hollywood.

What are your thoughts concerning these issues? You seem to have asked a question with false presumptions and while you made false assumptions. Also your memory of the scriptures seems sketchy.

Answer 6

No. Just G. W. Bush and his staff, because he attack a country that had nothing to do with the 9/11.

Plus here's a question:

When the U.N. inspectors were over there from Dec-Mar looking for -"WMD's"-, why was there no contamination from the-"radiation"- on the soil, buildings, tools, holding canisters, no radiation suits, or even transport trucks, no contamination anywhere, and yes I was in IRAQ, from Mar-03 to Mar-04, also check U.N. sources below

What is sad about the hole thing is, people (american, iraqi, england, ect...) have died for a lie.
Is your life worth a lie? Mine is not

Answer 7

Blood is SHOOTING out of my eyes right now.

You are woefully misguided in so many ways. 1) You don't know the Bible as there are many MANY instances of war being waged in defense of right. 2) The actions of military men and women are based upon orders they receive. The Bible tells servants to be obedient to their masters. Did you know that? The destiny of men and women, regardless of their career is NOT based upon their adherence to your political slant. According to the same Bible you want to cite, it is based upon their relationship with Christ.

Beyond all that, this is a sovereign nation and we can and should defend ourselves against evil and we should defend those who are defenseless against tyrants and despots.

YOU, my dear, are most miserable. Before trying to attack Christians and military personnel, you should contend with your own issues which are not likely suited for Yahoo! or polite society.

Pitts Off.

Answer 8

If they go to hell, it won't be because they killed in combat. It will be because they don't know Jesus as their Lord.

The passage you quoted doesn't mean to kill in the general sense, it means "do not murder." Murder is different than combat, contrary to what some think.

John the Baptist when asked by soldiers what they should do, didn't tell them to drop their arms and quit being soldiers, the conversation went like this: "Even some soldiers were asking him, "And what should we do?" He told them, "Never extort money from anyone by threats or blackmail, and be satisfied with your pay." (Luke 3:14)

Jesus, when speaking with the Roman Centurion, didn't tell him to quit being a soldier, instead the conversation went like this: "For I, too, am a man under authority and have soldiers under me. I say to one 'Go' and he goes, to another 'Come' and he comes, and to my servant 'Do this' and he does it." When Jesus heard this, he was amazed and said to those who were following him, "Truly I tell you, not even in Israel have I found this kind of faith!" (Matthew 8:9-10) He was commended for his faith, and not condemned for being a soldier.

There is no inconsistency with faith and service as a soldier.

Answer 9

ME TOO! I couldnt be extra happy with all our branches! My Fiancee is within the Army and I have met a few WONDERFUL persons via his unit and couldnt be happier! I recognise first hand it takes a powerful individual to be with a Army guy! So I additionally aid the other halves, husbands, children, siblings, father and mother, peers and many others!! HOOAH!!!! Oh yeah and to the BELLA lady placing our navy down YOU CAN KISS MY A§§!!! And your fiancee is NOT within the Marines...your dull and want he was once!

Answer 10

i think it means thou shall not murder. it about intention . if its to protect yourself or other beings from harm then you should take it as far as necessary against aggression./ having said that i think it is murder when civilians are deliberately targeted like when the U.S. firebombed Tokyo and nuked Japan in WW2. civilian men women children and babies. it can not be justified by religion just by patriotic political idealism./i think those bomber crews are in hell or at least a few million yrs in purgatory(no matter how many american soldiers(men with weapons) were saved from death and injury